By Seamus Boyer
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What a fantastic weekend of sport.
The Hurricanes thrashing the Sharks 41-0 may have been the obvious attention-grabber, but closer to home there were some big games too.
Club rugby finals games are always exciting for the communities who are represented.
And two close matches on Saturday showed off the local talent, and will make for a thrilling final this Saturday.
In the two semis, Carterton held off Gladstone 12-6 at Carterton, while Greytown edged out Marist 20-13 at Greytown.
Both had good, parochial support, and if the weather had played its part, I’m sure there would have been even bigger crowds.
It’s all set for the final now – the two best teams of the regular season battling out for top spot.
The fact that they’re neighbours and long-time rivals is sure to add a bit of extra spice.
We just need some decent weather so everyone can get down to Memorial Park to cheer the teams on.
Elsewhere the Dalefield women’s hockey team won their first playoff match, with the men being pipped in extra time.
As for Wairarapa United in the Central League, well let’s just say things didn’t go to plan against the competition’s easy-beats Petone.
In Super Rugby, three Kiwi teams are in the semi-finals of the Super Rugby competition – a deserved result.
Our teams are far and away better than their Australian and South African (and Argentine) rivals.
Along with the Canes, the Highlanders and Chiefs are also through, with just the Crusaders missing out after copping a hammering from the Lions at Ellis Park.
Oh well, they will get little sympathy from me, they’ve won plenty over the years.
The results mean there’s a possibility of a repeat of last year’s final, so the Canes may have a chance at revenge against the men from Otago.
Roll on the semi-finals.
And finally, there was one more result that is worth mentioning.
Well it’s not really worth mentioning, but I’ll do it anyway.
My football team, Crighton ITM Greytown, beat the Carterton Redbacks 6-2 on Saturday.
It wasn’t exactly a grudge match – we are a pretty laid-back lot, and Carterton are a great bunch to play against.
But it topped off for me an almost perfect weekend of sport.
